SANTA CLARA, CA and ORLANDO, FL., September 08, 2009 - Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR) and Intellon Corporation (NASDAQ: ITLN) today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Atheros to acquire Intellon in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $244 million, or $181 million net of Intellon's cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2009.
The acquisition of Intellon is another significant step by Atheros toward its goal of enabling the very best connectivity experiences across the networking, computing and mobile device markets. Intellon's powerline communications (PLC) technology operates on today's most pervasive wired medium, the home power circuit. By combining Atheros' best-in-class wireless LAN and Ethernet products with Intellon's market-leading PLC products, Atheros will further drive the adoption of universal, easy-to-use, networking solutions throughout the digital home.
"We are deeply committed to providing our customers with innovative communications solutions based on our expanding portfolio of technologies, and the addition of Intellon's market-leading PLC products further demonstrates that commitment," said Craig Barratt, president and chief executive officer of Atheros Communications. "Our unmatched combination of connectivity technologies will enable dynamic meshing of wireless and wired bandwidth, providing robust transmission of data, voice and multi-media content on the growing number of networked devices in the home."
As the leading provider of HomePlugŠ¾ compatible products, Intellon's extensive experience in delivering PLC solutions has enabled it to build a strong portfolio of products and intellectual property. By leveraging the Intellon team's experience, Atheros will further expand its ability to serve the needs of the digitally-connected consumer, as well as extend its opportunities for growth in new applications and markets, including Ethernet-over-Coax and smart grid solutions.
"Having played a major role in the development and commercialization of PLC technology across the globe, and with more than 40 million chipsets shipped and 50 service provider deployments, the Intellon team is excited about the opportunity to combine its knowledge and expertise in wired networking with Atheros' leadership in wireless LAN and other network communications," said Charles E. Harris, Intellon's chief executive officer and chairman of the board. "With the cultures of innovation and commitment to customer success that both companies share, this powerful combination will bring a new level of seamless connectivity to operators and consumers alike."
Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement, the overall acquisition consideration consists of an amount of Atheros common stock and equivalents (including the assumption of outstanding Intellon restricted stock units and stock options) representing between 45 and 55 percent of the total consideration with the remainder paid in cash, providing an overall value of $7.30 per share based on the five-day average closing price of Atheros as of September 4, 2009. Intellon shareholders may elect to receive either: 1) approximately 0.135 shares of Atheros common stock and approximately $3.60 in cash, 2) $7.30 in cash, or 3) approximately 0.267 shares of Atheros common stock, for each share of Intellon common stock; however, each of these elections will be subject to adjustment and proration provisions (as further detailed in the definitive agreement). In the aggregate, Atheros expects to issue approximately 4.2 - 5.1 million shares of Atheros common stock and equivalents and pay approximately $115 - $141 million in cash, depending on the overall elections that are made and pursuant to the terms in the definitive agreement.
Atheros expects to close the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2009, subject to Intellon shareholder approval as well as customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Intellon shareholders representing approximately 22% percent of Intellon's outstanding common stock have signed an agreement to vote their shares in favor of this transaction. It is anticipated that the transaction will be accretive to Atheros' non-GAAP earnings per share in the first half of 2010.
About Atheros Communications
Atheros Communications is a global leader in innovative technologies for wireless and wired communications. Atheros combines its wireless and networking systems expertise with high-performance radio frequency (RF), mixed signal and digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly integrated chipsets that are manufactured on low-cost, standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology is used by a broad base of leading customers, including personal computer, networking equipment and consumer device manufacturers. For more information, please visit http://www.atheros.com
About Intellon Corporation
Intellon is a market leader in powerline communications, providing HomePlugŠ¾ compliant and other powerline integrated circuits for home networking, networked entertainment, BPL access, Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC), smart grid management and other commercial applications. Intellon created and patented the baseline technology for HomePlug 1.0, and is a major contributor to the baseline technology for the 200-Mbps PHY-rate HomePlug AV powerline standard and the draft IEEE P1901 powerline standard. With more than 34 million HomePlug-based ICs sold, Intellon is the market share leader in the HomePlug IC market. The Company was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, with offices in Ocala, Florida, San Jose, California and Toronto, Canada. For additional information, visit www.intellon.com.